Packing for a backpacking trip is a delicate task of balancing comfort and weight and often leads to numerous questions about what you actually need. Most people will become experts at this craft through years of adventures in the wilderness. I’ve... READ MORE

In her book Rising Strong, researcher Brené Brown observes that a “tolerance for discomfort” is the common denominator between resilient people. Exercises provided below are aimed at improving your mental and physical tolerance for discomfort. First, let’s take a look... READ MORE

A few weeks ago, I was standing in a circle with five dirt-covered adolescents just outside Marble, Colorado. With Aspen leaves still dripping from the early morning’s downpour, I told the students that the 15-day mountaineering course they had just... READ MORE

It was day one of a three-day river trip at the beginning of training season at Outward Bound’s Southwest base. Hands came together to clap as “help yourself, help each other” rang out from the circle of new field staff.... READ MORE

Visualize this. You’ve just spent a long day backpacking with your crew. It’s hot out, you’re hungry and all you want to do is sit down, take off your shoes and relax on your sleeping pad. But first, you must... READ MORE

The first day of any expedition is nerve-wracking, thinking about the future days together with your crew—the miles not yet traveled and skills waiting to be mastered. You’re apt to see everyone’s true selves, which will be a mixture of... READ MORE

What season pops into your head when you think about camping? If you’re thinking of summer, you’re probably picturing images of refreshing lake dips and lounging in toasty rays of sunshine. However, have you considered camping in the winter? There... READ MORE

Mistakes are essential to learning in the outdoors. They make it easy to do the right thing because you know what the other choice looks like. And camping mistakes have been the ultimate source of some of my most meaningful... READ MORE

What are we actually doing out here? Sometimes I get this question on an expedition as we’re shuffling in a seemingly endless slog up a steep mountainside. Sometimes it comes with a breath of realization and awe after a day... READ MORE

When we’re in the wilderness, we’re in session 24 hours a day. As Instructors, we strive to find the balance of when our students are ready to learn, when they’re ready for a challenge and when they need a break.... READ MORE